This course addresses legal processes from pre-arrest through trial, sentencing and correctional procedures. The focus here is on the actions of law enforcement. This is an important area of the criminal law, as much criminal litigation revolves around whether law enforcement officers acted in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.

In this course, we will review the history of case and common law, explore conceptual interpretations of law as reflected in court decisions, and study important court decisions that affect procedures of the U.S. criminal justice system.

Students learn the process of analyzing, dissecting and briefing criminal cases, providing them with an understanding of how our system of legal precedent works.

Critical reading and writing skills are required in this course.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Scott Moller graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1995. Upon admission to the bar, he pursued a civil litigation practice for three years, then began his career as a prosecutor, representing the state of Wisconsin in criminal cases. He served as a prosecutor for the next 15 years, handling cases in a number of jurisdictions across the state. While working as a prosecutor, he offered educational seminars for police officers and taught at Nicolet College. He now serves as a full-time professor and chair of the Department of Administration of Justice at Monterey Peninsula College.